Begistering mechanism



W. ARTHUR June 12, 1923.

REGISTERING MECHANISM Filed March 27 1920 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 afrol M213 W.ARTHUR `lune 12, 1.923.

REGISTEHING MECHANISM 3 Shee-ts-Sheet f? Filed March 27, 1920 W. ARTH UR REGISTERING MEGHANI SM June -12, 1923. l 1,458,509

Filed March 27 1920 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 am WVM?? Patented June 12, 1923.

UNITED STATES WILLIAM ARTHUR, F NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT,

REGISTERING MECHAN ISM.

Application led March 27, 1920. Serial No. 369,226.

T0 all whom t may concern: Y

Be it known that I, WILLIAM ARTHUR, a citizen of the United States,residing in New Haven, county of New Haven, State of Connecticut, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Registering Mechanism,of which the following is a full, clear,-

and exact description.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements inregistering mechanism ofthe general type disclosed in my latent No.1,319,453 of October 21, 1919.-

The term registering mechanismV is used in a generic sense and isintended to cover a mechanism which will register time. My

improvements are particularly applicable to a device for determining theefiiciency of motormen of trolley and like cars by the registration ofthe number of minutes that power is applied to the car during a certainrun, for example, or while it is being operated by a particularmotorman. The invention is not limited, however, to this particularapplication.

One of the primary objects of the invention is to furnish improvedmechanism for registering the length of time during which power isapplied.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved means for windingautomatieally the clock mechanism employed in a power-on register, or ina similar register or device.

Another ,object is to provide a clock mechanism with means for rewindingit and with means for preventing overwinding, bothoic such means beingof simple and efficient character and construction.

Still another purpose which I have inv 40 view is the provision of animproved power register for trolley cars and the like, where theoperation oftime registering mechanism is simply and efficientlycontrolled from the power circuit, and where the rewinding mechanismassociated with tions of parts, to be hereinafter described andclaimed.`

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation'of a registering mechanism embodying myimprovements, with the face plate removed from the casing.

Fig. 2 is a section on line 2 2 of Fig. 1, with the face plate inposition.

Fig. 2A is a side view of the mechanism contained within the casinglooking from the left of Fig. l.

Fig. 2B is a bottom plan view of the interior mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a rear elevation of the electromagnet structure, with part ofthe clock mechanism omitted.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary section on line 4 4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a section on line 5 5 of Fig. 2.

Iig. 6 is a section 0n line 6 6 of Fig. 3; anc

Figs. 7 and 8 are details of the main spring of the clock.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view, showing a mody ified forni of device forpreventing overwinding of the spring.

The device shown in the drawing consists l of a time registerautomatically controlled from the power circuit of the electric car insuch a manner as to register the number of minutes the power has beenapplied, or the lapsed power time. The registering mechanism includes aplurality of number wheels adapted to register minutes and preferablyadapted to register a total of, say, 999 minutes, such wheels beingdriven from a clockework which operates only during the time that thepower is turned on. The number ofwheels are visible through one or moresight openings in the face plate of a casing in which the registeringmechanism is enclosed. In the embodiment illustrated, a clock-work iscontrolled by an electromagnet which is controlled by the motorYcontroller of the electric car in such a manner that when thecontroller is in the olf position, the clock and the register operatedthereby are inactive, while on the other hand, the clock is started andoperates the register, i. e., the number wheels, when and so long as thecontroller is in a position to operate the motor or motors.

I'n the drawing, the main part of the case is shown at 10, and the faceplate is indicated at 11. The mechanism within the case includes anelectro-magnet generally indicated at E, a clock-work or clock movementgenerally designated by reference character C, and a registering counterD. The counter D is actuated from the clock C and comprises a pluralityof number wheels vis-k ible through sight openings 13 in the face plateof the casing. The clock-work is controlled from the electromagnet E',which is located in the power circuit in substantially the same mannerdescribed in my patent previously mentioned or in any other con,-venient manner. The clock C is normally locked against operation, but isreleased when the electromagnet is energized by the passage of a currentthrough the motor circuit, such release being eifected by the movementof the armature 14 of the electro magnet. The clock is geared to thecounter, the number wheels of which are all located on one shaft, whichin the present case is arranged horizontally, in front of the ma netstructure. 'Ilhe counter selected for i lustration has a unit wheel 15,a tens wheel 16, and a hundreds wheel 17. The electromagnet, the clockand the counter are all preferably mounted on a suitable frame F 1n theexample illustrated, such frame beingadapted for attachment to thecylindrical wall of the case by suitable screws (not shown).

Referring now to the details of the device, it will be observed that theelectromagnet E has a U-shaped core 18. The middle part of the U-shapedcore is detachably secured to the frame F at the back of the latter by ascrew 19, the legs or pole pieces of the U being directed upwardly. Acoil 20 which is adapted to be placed in circuit with the motor ormotors is suitably located on the core. In the' present. case itembraces that leg of the core which is located at the right of Fig. 1,but this is mere ly a matter of convenience. The armature 14S,previously mentioned, coo erates with both poles of the magnet and 1spreferably pivoted so as to have a swinging movement, as shown. In thepresent case, the upper ends of the core legs are connected at the rearabove the coil 20 by a U-shaped clip 21, the body of which is secured tothe respective legs by screws 22. The clip has cheeks 23 at therespective ends projecting above the magnet poles and havingperforations therein for the reception of trunnions 24 on the armatureplate 14. The trunnions 24 are located adjacent the rear edge of thearmature plate and the arrangement is such that when the electromagnetis energized, the armature is swung about a horizontal pivot from aosition wherein i't is tilted somewhat in a orward and upward directionto a position in which it is approximately horizontal with its undersurface in approximate contact with the upper surface of the magnetpoles.

Referring now to the clock C, which is controlled from theelectromagnet, it will be observed that a clock movement isdetachablyapplied to the frame at the left thereof (Fig. 1), with thegeneral plane of the clock movement substantially at right angles to theplane of the magnet core. The counter shaft 25 of the counter l) islocated in a plane parallel to that of the magnet core and in front ofthe coil or winding 20. The main shaft 25 of the counter is journalledbetween cheeks 26, 27, extending vertically at the front of the frame F,and the clock movement is detachably secured to the cheek 27 at the topand bottom thereof, and is also dctachably secured to a lug 28 at thebase of the frame.

The clock movement may be of any appropriate character. In the presentinstance, it comprises the usual parallel movement plates 29', 30 spacedapart by the usual distance pins. The movement plate 30, which isinnermost, is in turn detachably secured in any appropriate manner whichI need not describe, to an attaching or supporting plate 31. This plate3l carries the clock movement and is suitably connected with the frameF. In the drawing, I have shown the plate 31 secured to the cheek 27 atthe top and bottom by bolts 32 and 33 respectively, the lower rearcorner of plate 31 being secured to lug 28 by a stud 33y engaging a slot34 in the plate.

It will not be necessary to refer to all parts of the clock movement indetail. It will bc observed, however, that it has the usual balancewheel 35, .which in this case is located at the top of the movement in avertical plane. 'lhe cscapement is of .the usual or any preferredconstruction. rIlhe main shaft or arbor of the clock movement isindicated at 36. It is journalled between the movement plates 29, 30 inthe customary manner and extends through a fairly large opening in theattaching plate 31. On the end of the arbor 36 at a point between theattaching plate 31 and the cheek 27 is fixed a master gear 37, whichmeshes with a pinion 38 on the end of the main shaft 25 of the counterD. The main spring of the clock is shown at 39 in Fig. 6, and it will beobserved that it is contained within a barrel 40 keyed or pinned to themain sha-ft or arbor 36. The arrangement is such that when the clock isin operation, the time is properly registered by the counter D throughthe connection of the counter shaft 25 with the main clock arborg, asdescribed. The counter D may be of any well-known kind, and it is,therefore, unnecessary to describe its construction in greater detail,although it may be remarked that in the form shown the auxiliary shaft25a ou which the well-known carrier pinions are located is journalledbetween the frame cheeks 26, 27 beneath the number wheels.

The clock is normally locked against operation by means controlled f romthe armature 14 of the electromagnet, such means preferably comprising apivoted arm. In the form shown, the locking arm consists of a mainportion 41 and a somewhat curved spring portion 42. The main portion 41of the arm is fixed to a rock shaft 43 journalled in the plates 29, 30,31. 'Ihe arm portion 41 is acted upon by a coiled spring 44, whichnormally holds the rock shaft 43 and the arm portions 41, 42, in such aposition that the spring portion 42 of the arm engages the balance wheel35, to hold the clock inactive. The arm portion 41 extends preferably inan upward direction and the arm portion 42 extends Aforwardly therefromand has. a downwardly curved front end adapted to engage between theteeth of the balance wheel. The inner end of the rock shaft 43, whichextends inwardly beyond the plate 31, is provided with a lateral pin 45adapted to be engaged b a crank 46 rigid with the armature 14. referablythe crank 46 has a sleeve portion secured by a screw 47 on the left handtrunnion (Fig. 2) of the armature. As the armature is attracted by themagnet poles, on the energizing of the magnet E, the crank 46 pressesdown on pin 45 in such a manner as to rock the shaft 43 and swing thespring arm 42 upwardly and rear wardly, so that it disenga-ges thebalance wheel 35. In this manner the clock is set in operation. Upon theshutting off of the current in the motor circuit, however, the armaturemoves back to the initial position and the coil spring 44 is thereforepermitted to shift the spring 42 into its locking position, with respectto the balance wheel. When the magnet is deenergized the armature isimmediately carried back to the elevated position by a small coiledspring 48, connected with an arm 49 secured to the armature. The arm 49may be conveniently made'of a piece of sheet metal, bent over andscrewed to the top of the armature and havin a depending extension towhich one end o the spring 48 is connected, the other end of said springbeing connected to the adjacent leg of the magnet core. At the lower endof the arm 49, the same is provided with an inwardly extending lug orprojection 50, best shown in Fig. 5, which is adapted to abut said legof the magnet core and thereby limit the upward swing of the armatureaway from the poles.

Referring now'to the means for driving the clock, it will be observedthat the spring barrel 40, previously mentioned, is provided with a hubsuitably fixed to the arbor 36, ask by means of a pin 51, (Fig. 6). Thespring 39, which is, generally speaking, of

the usual form, is secured at the inner end of the spiral by a suitablefastener 52, to a hub 52, located within the barrel and forming part ofa ratchet 53. Preferably the hub 52 is integral with the ratchet and thediameter of the ratchet is greater than that of the barrel, as shown.the spring being confined between the opposing inner surfaces of thebarrel and ratchet. The outer end of the spiral spring, instead of beingfixed to the spring barrel, has a frictiona] driving connectiontherewith, which may be formed in any of a number of different ways, forexample, by providing the outer end of the spring with a. relativelystiff end portion 53a, adapted for frictional engagement with the innersurface of the flange or cylindrical wall at the periphery of the barrel40, as shown in Fig. 7. In the example shown, the portion 53a of theclock spring is thicker and stiffer than the main part of the spring andis riveted to such main part by a small rivet 54, as shown in Fig. 8.At. any rate, the arrangement is such that, the spring being wound to asuitable degree and the ratchet being suitably fixed against rotation, aturning movement will be imparted to the barrel 40 by the frictionalengagement therewith of the free end portion of the spring. The rotationof the barrel causes the shaft or arbor 36 to be rotated` which operatesthe clock in the usual manner. The means for preventing an unwindingmovement of the ratchet 53 comprises a pivotedY spring pressed pawl 55(Fig. 4) mounted on the inner face of the plate 31.

In the present embodiment, the automatic winding of the s ring iseffected by the armature 14. In tiie form shown, the spring is given awinding movement each time the armature is attracted to the magnetpoles, by a suitable mechanical connection between the armature and theratchet member 53, to whose hub 52 the inner end of the main spring isconnected. For this purpose the armature 14 is provided with a forwardlyand laterally directed arm 56, adapted to actuate a re-winding lever 57.Preferably the arm 56 consists of a small rod screwed into a socket inthe forward edge of the armature flap near the left hand edge thereof(Fig. 2) and having a laterally extending bent end overlying and adaptedto engage an upwardly projecting enlargement 58 on the lever 57. Thislever is pivoted to the plate 31 at its forward end by a pin 59 and atits rear end it carries a spring pressed actuating arm 60. having alaterally bent lower end yieldingly held in engagement with a tooth ofthe ratchet member 53. Normally the lever 57 occupies the position shownin Fig. 4', under the influence of a spring 61. The spring 61 holds thelever against a stop pin 62, whichlimits the upward movement of saidlever. When, however, the current is turned on and the armatureattracted, the lever 57 is pressed down by the arm 56, thereby givingthe ratchet member 53 a winding movement of more or less amplitude. Inthe form shown, the ratchet member is turned a distance approximatingthe width of two of the teeth on the periphery of the ratchet member.When the ratchet reaches the advanced position it is, of course, held inthat position by the check pawl 55, as will be understood.

It will be observed from the foregoing description thatwhen the magnetis energized the clock is rendered active by the swinging movement ofthe armature com municated to the swinging stop arm associated with thebalance wheel, whereby the.

clock work is set in operation in a very simple and efficient manner. Asthe spring arm 42 is raised, its curved forward end gives the balancewheel a slight upward throw so that there is no tendency for said wheelto stick. At the same time that the clock is set in operation anautomatic winding of the clock spring takes place. This is also effectedthrough the armature, which carries al re-winding arm as well as areleasing arm. The armature preferably swings in a vertical lane, asshown, and the devices operatedpthereby. that is to say, the clockreleasing arm and the rewinding arm, also swing in vertical planes, orin other words, in planes parallel to the armature movement. This makesfor, simplicity and reliability. i,

The over-windingrof theI clock spring may be readily prevented by theuse of the mechanism shown in Figs. 6 and 7, or an equivalent mechanism.lt will be readily understood that where the power is applied freuently, as in city traffic, there might ordinarily be an over-winding ofthe spring, but this is prevented in the present case by the frictionalconnection between the springand one of the elements. such element beingin this case the spring barrel. It will be obvious that as thec springis wound up to a considerable degree, the diameter of the spiral uisdecreased and the still' free end portion of the spring is there' forepermitted to slip on the inside of the barrel. By this arrangement ofparts, therefore, the barrel, and the clock mechanism driven thereby,are not in fixed connection withthe spring, so that'further/ winding'ofythe latter is not harmful. The re-winding of the spring does not, rhoW-ever, interfere in any Way with the con-y tinued operation of the clockso long as the locking arm is released from the balance wheel. Y

By my improvements the winding of the clock mechanism is. taken care ofautomatically in a very efficient manner, as the parts may be soarranged that the actuations of the motor controller, and therefore ofthe magnet armature, will 'be sufficient to store up enough energy inthe spring to operate the clock at all times when the power is on. Unthe other hand, the over-winding of the clock sprinnf is prevented inthe manner described. f course, the design of the mechanism may bechanged as required to meet the different conditions of service. rlifhedesign of the rewinding mechanism may naturally be somewhat differentwhen the register is )used on interurban cars than in the case -where itis primarily intended for urban service, owing to the fact'that in onecase the power is applied a comparatively few times for long periods,whereas in the other case the power is-frequently applied, but for shortperiods.

By providing the register with a rewinding mechanism, controlledautomatically from the power circuit, re-winding is effected with anegligible consumption of power. The re-winding mechanism is however,very simple. Only a few simple parts are added to the register, but onthe other hand, there is no necessity for providing the clock withmechanism for winding it by a key, nor of providing the casing with akey opening.- The device requires much less attention than the priorhand-wound registers and yet the increase in cost is very slight.

ln the modification shown in Fig. 9,`

there is a somewhat different construction of the means for preventingover-winding. In this case, the spring is fixedly attached at 63 and 64respectively to a barrel 65 and the hub 66 of a disk 67. The disk 67,

however, has a frictional or slip connection with a member 68 adapted tobe rotated by the rewinding arm or lever. In the case illustrated, themember 68 is in the form of a ratchet, having teeth 69, and adapted tocooperate with a pivoted operating lever, and-a check awl insubstantially the manner hereinbe ore described. The frictionalconnection between the members 67, 68 may y be produced byspring-pressed shoes 70, carried by member 68 and pressing against theperiphery of member 67. When the main spring has been wound to a certainextent, the shoes 70 will slip on the member 67, as will be obvious.

Various changes may be made in the de- /tails of the constructionwithout. departing from the scope of my invention. For example, in sofar as certain aspects of the invention are concerned, the-provision ofnumber wheels operatively connected with the clock is unnecessary, andother alterations or modifications will suggest themselves to lthoseskilled in the art.-

What l claim is:

1. A registering mechanism for determining the eiiciency of motormen,comprising a clock mechanism having a balance wheel, an electromagnet incircuit with the motor controller, so as to be energized whenever thepower is applied, a pivoted armature cooperating with saidelectromagnet, and a swinging arm mounted independently of the armaturebut engaged directly by a part thereof, for engaging the balance wheelof the clock to start and stop the clock at the beginning and endrespectively of the power period.

2. A registering mechanism, such asdescribed, comprising a clock havinga toothed balance wheel, an electromagnet, a pivoted armature for saidmagnet, and means, comprising a. pivoted arm having a spring end portionto engage the teeth of the balance wheel, for starting and stopping theclock, and means on said armature directly engaging and operating saidarm.

3. A device such as described, comprising a clock, an electromagnet incircuit with the motor controller so as to be energized whenever thepower is applied, having a substantially U-shaped core, a pivotedarmature cooperating with the magnet poles', an arm piv-V otedindependently of the armature, for starting and stopping the clock atthe beginning and 'end respectively of the power period, means securedto said armature and engaging said arm for operating said arm fromthearmature, and means to normally urge said sition.

4. In a device such as described, a clock mechanism, comprisinga `pairof movement plates, said clock mechanism having a bal-` ance wheelmounted between said plates, a rock shaft journalled in said plates, aswinging arm on said rock shaft for starting and stopping the clock Vbyco-operation with the balance wheel, an electromagnet having asubstantially U-shaped core, an armature cooperating with and bridgingthe ends of the magnet core, a pivotal mounting for the armature, andmeans, on the armature, for rocking said shaft to control the operationof the starting and stopping arm of the clock. r

5. Apower-on register for electric cars including a clock mechanismhaving relatively fixed and movable members with a spring therebetween,means cooperating withfone of said members for rewinding the clockmechanism, said means comprising an electromagnet in circuit with thecontroller so as tobe actuated when the power is applied,

and means for preventing cverwinding of the spring, comprising a slipconnection bepivoted arm to clock-stopping potween a part of the springand one of said members, said part of the spring being less resilientthan the main portion thereof.

6. An attachment for electrically operated vehicles comprising a frame,a clockwork mounted on the frame, an electromagnet mounted on the frameand adapted to be placed in circuit with the vehicle motor, registeringdevices operated bythe clock mechanism, and means carried by the frameand actuated by the magnet to rewind and to positively start said clockmechanism,

7. A power-on register for electrically operated vehicles comprising aframe, a clock mechanism having a balance wheel and an electromagnetmounted on the frame, said magnet being in circuit with the controllerso as to be energized when the power is applied, a swinging arm mountedon the clock mechanism, having one end thereof in engagement with thebalance wheel to impart an impetus to the same when the arm is moved,`and an armature controlled by the magnet and Ihaving a part adapted toactuate said arm, to start the clock mechanism.

8. A power-on register comprising a frame, a clock mechanlsm having abalance Wheel and an electromagnet mounted on the frame, said magnetbeing in circuit with the controller so as to be energized when thepower is applied, a rock shaft mounted on the clock mechanism, aswinging arm secured to the rock shaft'and having an end thereofnormally in engagement with the balance wheel, an armature swingablymounted on trunnions adjacent the poles of the magnet, and an armsecured to one of the armature trunnions and adapted to rock said rockshaft when the magnet is energized to move said swinging arm out ofengagement with the balance wheel.

9. A power-on register comprising a frame, a clock mechanism and anelectromagnet supported on the frame, said clock mechanism including abalance wheel, a spring actuated shaft and a ratchet wheel to which oneend of the spring is connected,

.arms swingably mounted on the clock mechanism to engage the balancewheel and ratchet wheel respectively. the electromagnet being incircuitvwith the controller so asto be energizedI when the power isapplied, and having an armature provided with means to engage both ofsaid arms to start and rewind the clock.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand on the 23rd day ofMarch, 1920.\

wiL'LiAM ARTHUR.

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